The Association for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of Serbia (SUFRM) was founded in accordance with the needs to achieve the best possible cooperation between professionals, patients and the public, as well as the necessary communication and cooperation with similar societies and associations in the world.
The association changed its name, as did the country where we lived. The Serbian Association of Physiatrists was formed in 1952 and was part of the Serbian Medical Association, as well as part of the Association of Physiatrists of Yugoslavia. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, on September 14, 2003, the Association of Physiologists of Serbia and Montenegro was formed at the Assembly of Associations in Lepenski Vir, which has been operating as the Association of Physiatrists of Serbia since 2006. Aligning with the development of physical and rehabilitation medicine in Europe, preparing for the candidacy for the organization of the ESPRM congress in Belgrade, the Assembly of the association made a decision in 2015 at the congress in Vrnjačka Banja to change its name to the Association for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of Serbia (SUFRM) with headquarters in the Rehabilitation Institute Belgrade, Sokobanjska 17.
SUFRM is a professional association of doctors, doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation and experts in related professional and scientific fields who participate in the rehabilitation process. The role of the FRM specialist consists in shaping and developing the so-called “rehabilitation culture” which is based on the basic right of persons with limited activity and participation. Access to rehabilitation is a basic human right supported by the United Nations and the 58th resolution of the WHO Assembly (2005), and anti-discrimination laws for the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, their families and helpers, which were adopted by many European countries as well as Serbia. This rule helps in planning and prioritizing regional, national and European services through funding research and developing training by providing information on the effectiveness and value of FRM interventions.
Physical and rehabilitation medicine is one of the most positive and dynamic fields where knowledge is growing exponentially. This has led to the development of new subspecialties and enabled outstanding clinical care, advanced research and innovative programs in rehabilitation. FRM has led to the development of assistive technology ranging from simple aids to robotics and sophisticated electronic systems for stimulation, communication, education, environmental control and mobility. Advances in technology increase the independence, participation and quality of life of chronically ill patients
The association was founded with the aim of improving FRM teaching at faculties, monitoring and proposing amendments to legal regulations regarding professional education, professional training and defining ethical norms, rights and obligations of members. The association regularly cooperates with medical associations in the country, with ESPRM, the Board and department of UEMS PRM, Academy for PRM, ISPRM, MFPR, with universities in the country and the Ministry of Health.